Efficient synthesis of 3-methylindole using biomass-derived glycerol and aniline over ZnO and CeO2 modified Ag/SBA-15 catalysts

•Ag/SBA-15 modified with ZnO and CeO2 exhibited a good activity with the 3-methylindole yield of 62%.•ZnO could increase the dispersion of silver and inhibit the sintering of Ag particles effectively.•CeO2 could promote the reduction of Ag2O and suppress the formation of carbon deposition.•The yield of 3-methylindole sill reached 59% when Ag/SBA-15–ZnO–CeO2 was circulated five times.•The reaction pathway was investigated in deeply and a probable route was proposed.